I have been a fan of Smittcn Kitchen for a while now and often use her as inspiration for my annual Easter brunch. Her Spinach Quiche had been a hit for years now but I wanted to add something different and new to the menu. After browsing through her site I found myself planing to make Breakfast Pizza.
I have always like making my own dough but was curious about using bacon and eggs. Her recipe was super easy to follow and was a huge success with my Easter Bruch guests. Not one piece of pizza was left of the 3 pies I prepared. The only thing I added to her recipe was red peppers as well as some jalapeno pepper for spice.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
We received these pretty little purple potatoes last summer from our CSA. I recently found them again at Union Market. They are purple through and through, as you can see from the photo. I cut them in half, and roasted them with tomatoes, zucchini, olive oil, sea salt and fresh basil. It was the perfect accompaniment to a brunch frittata. Leftovers were yummy fried up and topped with spicy green salsa.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I used Pamela’s Gluten-free Pizza Crust mix to make this beautiful pizza. After partially baking the crust for 20 minutes, I added fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh oregano, and sea salt. Then back in the oven for another 15 minutes. The crust is made of brown rice and tapioca. It is crunchier and lighter than a traditional wheat pizza crust. If you want the chewiness of a regular pizza crust, you’ve got to eat it while it’s hot. Who says you have to miss out on your favorite foods just because you are allergic to grains?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I was craving pond cake over the weekend and found a delicious recipe for a simple yet scrumptious vanilla pound cake. After mixing all ingredients together I added chocolate chips. The result was super yummy.
I recently went on a hiking trip to Peru and was amazed by the restaurants I found in Cusco. One place in particular will be remembered since the food, service and ambiance were so amazing. The restaurant was called Cicciolina and catered a mix of Italian food and Spanish tapas. Cicciolina was a hidden gem on one of those beautiful streets in Cusco. The homemade pastas, fresh fish and Guinea Pig dishes were delicious and of course the Pisco Sour was delightful as well. If you ever find yourself walking the streets of Cusco make sure you stop for a bite.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I found this beautiful cauliflower in our local farmer’s market. It’s an heirloom variety called Romanesco Cauliflower. We thought it looked like a Christmas tree, and being very much in the holiday spirit, decided to purchase one. I’m going to roast it with olive oil, salt and pepper and garlic tonight. I can’t wait to taste it! It’s described as fractal because the stems make a logarithmic spiral, also known as a “marvelous spiral.”
Sunday, September 20, 2009
One of the great thing about joining a CSA is that you often get new and unusual version of fruits or veggies that you have been eating all your life. The other day I wanted to enjoy one of my apples from my fruit share but could not believe my eyes when I bit into the apple. The flesh was super pink. The Pink Pearl Apple as it turned out is a really tart apple and great for pies but many people really like how tart it is for eating and just love the look of it. Try to find one at your local farmers market I promise it will be worth it.
One of my lovely neighbors was kind enough to drop of some super sweet mango’s. Since it has been so hot outside I was inspired to make some Chilled Mango Cucumber soup. I peeled the mango’s (4) and put them in the blender. I added half a can of coconut milk, half a hot chili pepper, some fresh grated ginger as well as a peeled cucumber. Then I let the blender to the hard work. After trying to soup I decided to add the juice of one lime.
Needles to say it is so yummy.
I just tried the lunch special at the new Park Slope “dainty sandwich” shop on 5th Ave, Reis 100. Reis 100 is located right next to Bar Reis, very convenient for late-night munchies. So the gimmick is that the menu consists of 100 different tiny sandwiches, all priced at either $3.50 or $5.00. The bread is baked fresh every day at a local bakery and all the radishes, pickles, spreads, etc are made in-house. The lunch special is 2 sandwiches and a drink for $5, tax included. I chose the
Reis 100 dainty sandwiches
Banh Mi tofu with pickled carrot, jalapeno, cilantro and the chorizo, manchego, caramelized onion. They were delicious, but pretty small. When I showed them to my hubby and suggested that he might want to try it for lunch, too, he said, “No way!”. But, you know what? They were so tasty and well-crafted, that I felt completely satisfied and happy all afternoon. I’m looking forward to my next visit when I might try the artichoke spread with ricotta and pesto or the smoked salmon, shaved fennel and mullet roe.
We don’t eat much meat at home but love Seitan in any form. As you can see in the picture fresh arugula and broccoli from our farm share and tomatoes, salt and pepper and a little but of wine make up a simple but good dinner.
